A challenging path awaits the Rhône side

The third qualifying round represents a significant hurdle in Lyon’s Champions League campaign. Since this format was introduced by UEFA, only two Ligue 1 teams have successfully navigated this stage: Monaco in summer 2016 and Lille in 2024. The Gones themselves fell short in August 2013, losing their playoff against Real Sociedad (0-2, 0-2) featuring Antoine Griezmann.

Potential Belgian opposition proves formidable

Union Saint-Gilloise, direct qualifiers for this round, boast the highest UEFA coefficient (48,000) among the five possible opponents. Belgian champions in 2025 and cup winners in 2026, the Brussels side narrowly missed Champions League qualification last season, finishing 27th with 9 points before losing to Marseille in the playoffs (2-3). Their defensive 5-3-2 formation and stability make them a particularly tough prospect.

Czech and Dutch rivals await

Sparta Prague, Czech league runners-up (UEFA coefficient 38,250), present a different challenge. Paulo Fonseca cited their aggressive pressing and tactical fouling as key difficulties following Lyon’s 0-2 preseason defeat to Slavia Prague. Meanwhile, Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, third in their domestic league, offer another path through the qualifiers (UEFA coefficient 13.585).

Union’s preparation offers cause for concern

Union Saint-Gilloise’s recent form raises questions. Despite victories over Romanian (4-0) and Danish sides (2-1), their 3-3 draw against PSV Eindhoven (followed by a 0-4 loss in extra time) showed defensive vulnerabilities. Key departures include goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen and winger Anan Khalaili’s uncertain future after a collapsed Inter Milan transfer. Their upcoming fixtures against Ostend and Lille provide limited preparation before facing Club Bruges in the Belgian Super Cup on July 31.

High stakes for Lyon’s campaign

Lyon, despite an unconvincing 8 goals conceded in 4 preseason matches, remain top seeds in this qualifying path with the best UEFA coefficient (65.750). The third qualifying round matches are scheduled for August 4/5 (first leg) and August 11 (second leg), with potential playoffs to follow on August 18/19 and 25/26. Paulo Fonseca’s side will need to tighten their defensive displays against whichever opponent emerges from today’s draw.